In my opinion, I think it's good to save the box by removing the seals, and folding it flat, unless of course the box is completely trashed. Sets on ebay that are opened, but complete, and still have the box (if it's in good condition) and instructions are usually what many AFOL collectors want. I know if I buy an older retired set, that's what I usually go for. You can always sell the individual boxes on ebay, and they usually do sell. I have a large thick cardboard box filled with flattened lego boxes in my shed. Right now my son plays with these sets, but whose to say in the future he will want to keep all of them... Regardless, they do take up space, though. Of course, looks like you live in Hawaii, so that might be the reason behind your high shipping costs to those of us in the states.